Picnic in the Park to celebrate Chorley FC promotion

Chorley’s annual event, Picnic in the Park, returns to Astley Park on Sunday 2 June and everyone is invited to join in the family fun and celebrate Chorley Football Club’s promotion to the National League.

Organised by Chorley Council, Picnic in the Park is now in its tenth year of providing free and low-cost fun, activities, games and entertainment for the whole family.

This year’s event will once again focus on community activities but will also celebrate the success of the recently promoted Chorley Football Club with people able to meet some of the players, have their picture taken with the trophy and hear what it’s like to win promotion.

The event, which will also see Stick Man make appearances at intervals throughout the day, is part of Check Out Chorley Week, which runs from Saturday 25 May until Sunday 2 June, and is a week-long celebration of the many reasons to visit Chorley for a great day out.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council with responsibility for events, said: “This is the tenth year we have organised Picnic in the Park and its grown from strength to strength each year.

“It’s always great to see so many families enjoying the event and we hope even more will visit this year to enjoy a picnic in Astley Park and the many games and activities the council and other community groups provide.

“Chorley FC’s promotion to the National League is an outstanding achievement and we wanted to celebrate that with as many people in Chorley as possible. We’re delighted they are attending Picnic in the Park, giving fans the opportunity to meet some of the players and staff who made it happen.

“Prepare your picnics, gather family and friends and be sure to join us in Astley Park between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 2 June for a fun-filled afternoon.”

In addition to the Chorley FC celebration, this year’s Picnic in the Park includes:

* Personal appearances by Stick Man in Astley’s Walled Garden at hourly intervals
* Uniquely funny shows by the fantastic children’s entertainer, Louby Lou
* Challenge yourself to scale the dizzying heights of the climbing wall
* Games, activities and Xplorer challenges on the bowling greens, putting greens and surrounding lawns
* Face painting
* Arts and crafts with Lancashire Adult Learning
* More fun games and challenges with Inspire Chorley Youth Zone and Active Nation
* The opportunity to wander around the magnificent Astley Hall, discovering the history of the families that once lived there
* Traditional fairground rides for a small charge
* Delicious food and drink from Café Ambio, the courtyard barbecue, Bees Country Kitchen and Scrumpy Pig. Plus, ice cream, candy floss and popcorn
* Astley Park’s adventure play area and for a small charge, jump on the inflatables right next door.

Anyone driving to Picnic in the Park is being encouraged to be considerate of the residents of Astley Village and park at one of the Chorley town centre car parks, which are free on Sundays or at Woodlands Conference Centre, off Southport Road.

The entrance to the park is few minutes’ walk via Ackhurst Lodge, Park Road or Queens Road or you can catch the park and ride bus, which will be running between Chorley town centre and Hallgate (at the back of Astley Hall) from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Hallgate car park, at the back of Astley Hall, will be open for blue badge holders only but spaces are limited.

For more information on Picnic in the Park and activities taking place during Check Out Chorley Week as well as ideas on places to visit and things to do in Chorley, visit checkoutchorley.com